Seiko Baselworld 2014 Live Report

MTF · 2014-03-29T03:19:05Z

Seiko's Baselworld 2014 live report: Grand Seiko expansion, global Prospex launch, and new Astron GPS Solar chronograph with smaller caliber.

MTF

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MTF's live report from Baselworld 2014 offers a direct glimpse into Seiko's key announcements and strategic directions for the year. This article is crucial for understanding Seiko's expansion of its Grand Seiko and Prospex lines, alongside significant advancements in its Astron GPS Solar technology. MTF provides immediate, on-the-ground insights into the brand's vision and new product launches.

Seiko Press Conference Baselworld 2014

Seiko President HATTORI Shinji welcomed us to Baselworld 2014.

He quoted his great grandfather who founded Seiko company.

"Always one step ahead of others."

K. Hattori, Founder of Seiko

Shinji Hattori Seiko President

Key Points

GRAND SEIKO range expanded.

PROSPEX mid range collection expanded and GLOBAL launch.

Formerly for Japan only.

Seiko Diver watch history:

1965 first divers watch with 150m water resistance.

Used on the Antarctic expedition

1967. 300m depth and hi beat movement.

1975. 600m depth Seiko Professional Divers watch that led to the ISO standard. Many items on ISO standard were created based on this watch.

Titanium case.

Accordion strap invented by Seiko grips wrist under depths

1988. 1000m depth watch.

The Divemaster range led to the Landmaster, Flightmaster, Fieldmaster and now Prospex range.

2014 novelty is a Kinetic movement, 200m depth rated, watch with Accordion strap of silicone rubber.

ASTRON history:

Astron GPS Solar watch was world's first.

For 2014, a new Astron calibre is launched: Smaller for wider range of models including ladies. Even more, it is a chronograph too. The activation of time zone change is easier than version 1.

Currently, Seiko offers 20 Astron models with 2 calibres and 11 new models.

First time all the collection seen in Baselworld at the same time at their booth.

Astron 100% sales increase last year.

CHRONOGRAPH FUNCTION ADDED

SMALLER

New chronograph version with smaller calibre.

Smaller by 30% volume

Diameter 44.6mm

Height 13.3mm

INTUITIVE

Button sequence is simplified.......just one button instead of the multi-button sequence of version 1.

Shu Yosino fronted the Astron presentation.

Here he dons a Japanese warrior hat to denote location in Japan before activating the new Astron GPS capture.

Switching to Basel location (and hat), he activates the time change with just one button pressed.

That covers the Intuitive function key point.

Addressing the Smaller calibre volume key point, Mr Yoshino employed the assistance of his UK colleague Rob Wilson.

The new Astron calibre is 30% smaller than the old model, visually illustrated by this body size comparison.

Here is my old Astron with orange markers with the white marker version to compare later with the new watches.

2014 new Astron with blue markers and chronograph function.

2014 new Astron with orange markers and chronograph function.

2014 new Astrons with white or black inner bezels and chronograph function.

Novak Djokovic is the Seiko Ambassador with the four watch ranges serving his different lifestyle needs. For example, he expects to change timie zones 60 times during the year so the new Astron with chronograph function will make those changes a breeze......

Grand Seiko occupies 50% of the exhibition at Seiko booth in Baselworld 2014.

Grand Seiko 1 was introduced in 1960 and Grand Seiko 2 was launched in 1964.

For 2014, a homage to the1964 model with Spring Drive is the novelty from Seiko.

Caliber 9S85 introduced in 2009 was a hi-beat calibre.

For 2014, a GMT version. 9R15 calibre is launched.

55h power reserve

3 versions including a limited edition with deep green dial. The dial evokes the lush surroundings of Mt Iwate, where a Grand Seiko atelier is located.

1960 and 1964 Grand Seiko

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2014-03-29 13:46:47

About the Seiko Astron Ref. SSJ027J1

The Seiko Astron SSJ027J1 is part of the Astron GPS Solar collection, known for its ability to adjust to local time anywhere in the world using GPS signals and solar power. This model integrates advanced technology with a refined aesthetic, positioning it as a sophisticated travel companion within Seiko's diverse offerings. It represents the brand's commitment to combining high-tech functionality with user-friendly features.

Equipped with a GPS Solar caliber, the SSJ027J1 features a titanium case and bracelet, offering both durability and lightweight comfort. The watch incorporates a dual-time display, a perpetual calendar, and a power reserve indicator, all powered by light. Its construction ensures precision timekeeping across different time zones without manual adjustment.

For collectors, the SSJ027J1 highlights Seiko's prowess in quartz technology and its continuous innovation in solar-powered GPS timekeeping. It appeals to those who value accuracy, global functionality, and a robust yet elegant design. The model underscores Seiko's ability to produce high-performance watches that cater to the demands of modern international travel.

Specifications

Caliber: 5X53

Case: Titanium

Diameter: 42.7mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 100m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Grand Seiko range is powered by three calibre families: Mechanical 9S (including Hi-Beat), Hi-Precision Quartz 9F, and Spring Drive 9R, indicating a diverse and advanced movement portfolio.
The Prospex collection, previously exclusive to Japan, was launched globally, expanding its reach and making its robust dive watches accessible to a wider international audience.
Seiko's dive watch history is rich with innovations, including the 1975 Professional Divers watch that led to the ISO standard and the invention of the accordion strap.
The Astron GPS Solar watch, a world-first, saw a new calibre launch in 2014 that was 30% smaller, enabling a wider range of models, including ladies' watches, and added a chronograph function with simplified time zone changes.
The Grand Seiko green dial was highlighted as a particularly wonderful and appealing novelty from the Baselworld presentation.

The Discussion

KIH

Mar 29, 2014

.. always wondered what the press conference was like. Thanks for the live coverage, Melvyn! Need to see them all in person. Hope to get you all more detailed view soon! Ken

SALMANPK

Mar 29, 2014

Great Report Dr. MTF, really appreciate it, did you have the chance to ask them about the new Grand Seiko Quartz Diver with no date and no power reserve? S

lukather1

Mar 29, 2014

Great report, nice news from there. The Grand Seiko green is just wonderfull. Max.

MTF

Mar 29, 2014

Dear forumners, Just to be clear, the LIVE walkabout snapshots are not the formal reports from Baselworld. They are hot, dirty, blurry, images in heaving throngs of eager public and press hounds. ;) Wi-Fi is spotty.....we had no restriction on Day 1 but after that, they throttled back the bandwidth and restricted to 30 mins spread over the working day! I did not ask specifically but only three calibre families power the Grand Seiko range: Mechanical 9S family including Hi-Beat types Hi-Precision

SALMANPK

Mar 29, 2014

appreciate all the effort under difficult circumstances. S

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Key Points from the Discussion

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